Sunday, February 20, 2011

Bedrich Smetana - String Quartets No1 and 2 - Panocha Quartet

Review:

The Panocha Quartet is one of the finest in the world today. Their performances are characterized by enlivening rhythm, impeccable intonation, and an ensemble sound that's seldom less than gorgeous, and never unappealingly scratchy. Their Smetana faces stiff competition from other Czech groups, not least the Smetana Quartet, but their performances hold their own against all comers. This performance of the comparatively neglected Second Quartet is especially impressive, with well differentiated inner movements and a finale that really goes like the wind. In the first quartet's finale, they bring out the tragic import of the episode signaling the onset of the composer's deafness with all the pathos that one could wish. If you are looking for first rate, idiomatic versions of these two marvelous works, look no further. Good, warm sound too.----David Hurwitz

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A warm welcome to all fellow classical music enthusiasts.The purpose of my blogs is two-fold...to give back to the community who has helped me so much over the years and provide info to my radio listeners. Thank you both and thank you 1.FM for your continued support. All of the cd's you find here are the latest additions to the web radio and are broadcast or will be in the near future. I want to encourage every visitor to buy the cd's and support the artists. Thank you for visiting my blog and please listen to my radio whilst browsing. Contributions and suggestions/opinions are most welcome. Happy listening!